Significance of a dilated pancreatic duct on CT examination.

The infrequency of reports demonstrating dilatation of the pancreatic ducts in patients with chronic pancreatitis by CT, despite its frequent demonstration on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), prompted a review of 500 cases performed at the University of Miami School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital for suspected pancreatic disease. Pancreatic duct dilatation was demonstrated in 10 patients. An equal occurrence was documented in patients with chronic pancreatitis and with carcinoma. Therefore, the presence of dilated pancreatic duct only confirms the presence of pancreatic disease. No etiology should be favored by the isolated finding of a dilated duct on CT scanning.